Form the passive gerund with being plus the past participle, as in I don’t like being told what to do, and the passive infinitive with to be plus the past participle, as in I want to be told the truth. For a perfect passive form, use to have been or having been plus the past participle.
Grammar Rule
Gerunds and infinitives have their own passive forms, built with being or to be plus the past participle.
Passive Gerund and Infinitive: Rules and Examples
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Passive gerund | being + past participle | I don’t like being told what to do. She avoided being seen by her boss. |
| Passive infinitive | to be + past participle | I want to be told the truth. They expect to be invited to the wedding. |
| Perfect passive infinitive/gerund | to have been / having been + participle | He seems to have been given the wrong information. She admitted having been warned about the risk. |
Remember: being + past participle (gerund); to be + past participle (infinitive); to have been / having been for perfect passive forms.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the passive gerund or infinitive correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-49. Passive Gerund and Infinitive
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the passive gerund?
With being plus the past participle, as in I don’t like being told what to do.
How do you form the passive infinitive?
With to be plus the past participle, as in I want to be told the truth.
How do you form the perfect passive infinitive?
With to have been plus the past participle, as in he seems to have been given the wrong information.
How do you form the perfect passive gerund?
With having been plus the past participle, as in she admitted having been warned about the risk.